We’ve narrowed the list down to just five to get your travel planning started.

Before we get to the nitty gritty though, where is Raglan? Located just 48kms west of Hamilton you can be in this quaint seaside town just two hours after jumping in your rental vehicle at Auckland airport. Raglan’s international claim to fame came back in 1966 when its world famous left hand surf break was featured in the iconic movie, Endless Summer.

You will no doubt want a place to rest your head after a long day exploring Raglan and surrounds and there really is no better spot the Raglan Kopua Holiday Park. This stunning beach front location offers accommodation to meet all styles and budgets; from camp sites through to their comfortable onsite motel units. The four star holiday park boasts all the facilities you would expect including full camp kitchen, BBQ’s, games room and WIFI throughout the property.

Surf Manu Bay

Raglan is a must visit for any surfer and just 8km from Raglan is Manu Bay, the location commonly known to as the most accessible and consistent left had surf break in the world. A short 600m walk over the rocky shoreline will set you up to try your luck at catching a world famous wave for yourself.

If you are the more sedate surfer, there is something for you too. Raglan is home to some great beach breaks that will have you jumping straight from the car over the rocks and into the surf for your fix.

If you are new to surfing, Ngarunui Beach is a great spot to begin or even sign up for a few lessons. Check out www.raglansurf.co.nz for more info on Raglan breaks and current conditions.

Visit Bridal Veil Falls

Take a short 15 minute drive from Bridal Veil Falls, RaglanRaglan (towards Hamilton) to visit the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls, also known as the Waireinga Falls. These beautiful falls tower 55 metres and are thought of as the most spectacular in the North Island.

An easy ten minute walk from the car park through stunning native bush, following the Pakoka River, will see you at the top of the falls to witness the fantastic views on one of the two viewing decks. This track is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

If it is a dramatic view you are after, take a further ten minute walk down the step yet stepped path to the bottom of the falls to look across the pool and up the picturesque falls for another unique photo opportunity. For more information regarding the falls and the walking track visit www.doc.govt.nz

Explore the local cafes and shops

Raglan is known for its bohemian atmosphere and beautiful coastal setting – a perfect location for some of New Zealand’s most talented artists and designers to set up shop.

Take a relaxing stroll over the walk bridge that connects Raglan Kopua Holiday Park from the town and explore this delightful High Street where big name shops make way to the many working studios of local artists; where you can pick yourself up a one off painting or piece of jewellery to remember your travels by. If you are an artist yourself this is also a great destination to grab a few supplies to create your own master piece.

When you are done, relax in one of the local cafés or restaurants and even sample the famous Raglan Roast coffee or locally sourced produce that has been lovingly prepared by one of the local chefs.

Solar Cycle around Raglan

Cruise around on a solar-charged bicycle and enjoy exploring the sights of New Zealand’s funkiest little sea side town. Solar Cycle offers bikes with motors to take the edge off those hills, the bite out of headwinds and the sweat from pedalling. Raglan is a truly stunning place and with Solar Cycle you get to experience it the “Green Way”. They have a quality fleet of bicycles available to hire and if you enjoy it that much we also sell these bikes.

The Solar Cycle team are also happy to act as your local concierge service, offering advice on distances, short cuts and terrain you may encounter on your cycle travels throughout the area. Book your Solar Cycle at Raglan Kopua Holiday Park and if you are a Family Parks Travel Rewards member you can enjoy 2 for the price of 1 afternoons.

Friendly West Coast folk & breath-taking sunsets

Probably the best thing about Raglan is the combination of the friendly locals and the breath-taking sunsets. There really is nowhere else you would rather be once you’ve grabbed a cold drink, put your feet up and started admiring that view while listening to the stories of the locals as you plan your next day in paradise.

Don’t just take Rob & Mary’s word for it – book your stay in Ragan and experience the beauty for yourself.